From the Maitland Mercury report:
The book charts the spectacular rise and fall of the Eales’ family fortunes over 149 years.
After arriving in Australia from England to take up a land grant at Berry Park near Morpeth in 1823, Eales tackled many business ventures.
A rogue with plenty of energy, Eales was respected and expanded his farming empire and built elaborate metal grain silos, believed to be a first for colonial Australia.
He survived the 1840’s Depression and eventually held more than 16,000 acres (6475ha) of freehold land in Maitland alone. He was involved in 240 land transactions during his lifetime.
Eales dabbled in horse racing, built a private racecourse, bred blood stock and erected Berry Park House, Berry House and Duckenfield House for his son John Jnr.
Full article available at Maitland Mercury, 23 Nov 2016.
